by Glenn Magas

Created on: September 30, 2009   Last Updated: December 18, 2009

There are several anti-virus programs out on the market that it makes it incredibly difficult to make a choice between one or the other. The two most popular: Norton AntiVirus and McAfee can be costly. But there is an alternative! How about free AntiVirus software! The following are 3 of the best AntiVirus packages available for download: absolutely free!

The 3 Best Free AntiVirus Software

1. AVG
2. Avast (Home)
3. Avira AntiVir Personal

Note: Each package is available for free but not for business or commercial use. Each are available for Windows OS and only Avast (Professional) version works with Mac OS (not free). Avira AntiVir Personal is considered 'nagware': a type of shareware that 'nags' the user to register it by paying a fee with a pop up message when you start the program.

1. AVG 8.5 Free

AVG 8.5 Free provides protection against viruses, spyware, adware and trojans. Linkscanner Protects in real time against infected web sites while you are surfing while LinkScanner Search-Shield provides real-time safety ratings for all search results in Google, Yahoo and MSN/Live search. The AVG Security Toolbar gives you easy access to the LinkScanner tools with a built-in search.

Note: AVG Free is a little tricky to find. If you go to the AVG.com website you will be able to find the trial versions but not the AVG Free version. But they offer an upgrade for AVG Free versions. In order to get the free versions go here: AVG Free

2. Avast (Home) * recommended *

Avast is free for Home personal use. Just register your download for continued use after the trial expires. Avast Anti-Virus Home edition provides anti-spyware, and rookits (programs installed on your computer that remain invisible while they work). Avast has strong self-protection to protect the anti-virus software from being turned off by viruses. The Antivirus Kernel is the latest version of Avast which detects 100% of viruses that are already spreading between users, also called "In the Wild" as well as detection of Trojan horses. Download here: Avast (Home)

3. Avira AntiVir Personal

Avira AntiVir protects against viruses, worms, and Trojans and dialers (the protection of dialup between a computer and the internet). It protects against rookits, claims 20% faster scanning, anti-phising, and anti-spyware. It also monitors every action executed by the user or the operating system and reacts promptly when a malicious program is detected. Get it here: Avira AntiVir Personal

You can pay for antivirus software or, if you really want, get it for absolutely free. That's your choice. Either way, you protect and remove malware, viruses, worms, trojan horses, adware and spyware from your computer.

Recommended: Avast (Home)

Key terms:

* Malware (malicious software) - software that is designed to attack a computer without the owner's informed consent.
* Spyware - malware that collects information about users without their knowledge.
* Trojan Horses - software that seems appears safe but gives unauthorized access to a user's computer to hackers.
* Worms - a program that self-replicates and sends copies itself to other computers on a network.
* Adware - software that automatically downloads advertisements onto a computer.
* Dialer - program sets the computer up to dial up through their number in order to make money from the calls.
* Rookits - software that consists of a program or programs designed to hide the fact that a computer has already been compromised.

Other Free software packages to look at are:
Comodo
Dr. Web
Panda Cloud Antivirus
PC Tools

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